Photographic print drying and mounting apparatus



D. H. HESTER 2,572,148

PHOTOGRAPHIC PRINT'DRYING AND MOUNTING APPARATUS Oct. 23, 1951 D. H.HESTER Oct. 23, 1951 10 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 29, 1949 @wifi Oct.23, 1951 D, H, HESTER 2,572,148

PHOTOGRAPHIC PRINT DRYING AND MOUNTING APPARATUS Filed July 29, 1949 lOSheetg-Sheet 3 m Q u Oct. 23, 1951 D H HESTER 2,572,148

PHOTOGRAPHIC PRINT DRYING AND MOUNTING APPARATUS Filed July 29, 1949 10Sheets-Sheet 4 70 i i a 7? /36- /fj 2J y Mal' 1 La; 5.5;,

Oct. Z3, 1951 D. H. HESTER 2,572,148

PHOTOGRPHIC PRINT`DRYING AND MOUNTlNG APPARATUS Filed July 29, 1949 f 1osheets-sheet 5 Oct. 23, 1951 D. H. HEsTl-:R 2,572,148

PHoToGRAPHTc PRINT DPYTNG AND MOUNTING APPARATUS Filed July 29, 1949 1osheets-sheet e l0 Sheets-Sheet 7 D. H. HESTER PHOTOGRAPHIC PRINT DRYINGAND MOUNTING APPARATUS Oct. 23, 1951 Filed July 29, 1949 oct. 23, -1951D. H. HESTER PHOTOGRAPHIC PRINT DRYING AND MOUNTING APPARATUS Filed July29, 1949 lO Sheets-Sheet 8 Oct. 23, 1951 D, H, HESTER 2,572,148

PHOTOGRAPHIC PRINT DRYING AND MOUNTING APPARATUS A Oct. 23, 1951 D, H,HESTER 2,572,148

PHOTOGRAPHIC PRINT DRYING AND MOUNTING APPARATUS Filed July 29, 1949 10Sheets-Sheet 104 Patented ct. 23, i951 UNITED STATE-s PATENT oFFIcEPHOTOGRARHIC PRINT DRYING AND MOUNTING APPARATUS Dwight H. Hester,chicago, 11i; Applieatiun jury 29, 1949, seria1No,1o7,59i

29 claims. (C1. st ifii)A ling such prints.

Another object is the provision of an improved apparatus which smoothsand flattens photographic prints while drying them under heat andpressure.

Another object is to provide an improved apparatus having greatlyincreased capacity for drying and dry mounting photographic prints.

Another object is to provide an improved apparatus for drying and drymounting photographic prints under heat and pressure which includesmeansfor applying the pressure uniformly through the pressing parts of theapparatus.

A further object is to provide an improved apparatus for drying and drymounting photographic prints which includes improved means forcompensating for the thickness of the print or the mounting, or both.

Still another object is to provide an improved apparatus for drying anddry mounting photog-raphic prints which includes a means for regulatingthe pressure applied to the prints or mountings regardless of theirthicknesses.

Still another object is to provide an improved apparatus for subjectingphotographicprints and mounts to heat and pressure in which a heatingplate of two sections is provided, permitting movement of one sectioninto print-engaging and holding position ahead of the other, thuseliminating special holding means and affordinggreater ease ofoperation.

Another object is to provide an apparatus for drying and dry mountingphotographic prints which incorporates an improved positive actionlocking device to lock the apparatus in drying or dry mounting position.

A still further object is to provide an appaartus for drying and drymounting photographic prints having an improv-ed pivotal mounting for amovable frame part and a heating plate which also incorporates a meanswhereby the movable frame is automatically swung out of the way whenreleased.

A further object is to provide an apparatus for drying and dry mountingphotographic prints having a novel, adjustable pivotal mounting for themovable parts.

A further object is to provide an improved apparatus for drying and drymounting photographic prints having a novel pivot mechanism of the overdead center type which makes substantially effortless the turning of themovable parts to pressing position and holding them there until thelocking mechanism is actuated to locking position.

A further object is to provide an improved apparatus for drying and drymounting photographic prints which is sturdy in construction,

having a few parts subject to wear.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent from the followingdescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

Fig, 1 is a side elevational view of my improved photographic printdrying and dry mounting apparatus with the parts locked in pressingposition;

Fig. 2 is a front elevational view, taken from the left side of Fig. l;

Fig. 3 is a top plan View of the apparatus shown in Fig. v1;

Fig. 4 is a side elevational view on a somewhat smaller scaleillustrating different positions to which the top frame and the heatingIelement or plate may be moved;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view, with some parts inelevation, illustrating details of construction of the locking mechanismand may be considered as taken along the line 5 5 of Fig. 3, looking inthe direction of the arrows;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view of the lockingmechanism viewed from the same position as Fig. l;

Fig. 7 is a detail cross-sectional view illustrating the construction ofthe connection between the pressure bar and the top frame, and is takenon the same plane as Fig. 5 but illustrates some of'the parts inelevation rather than in'section;

Fig'. 8 is an enlarged elevational view of the pivotal mountings for thetop frame and the heating plate or element;

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken on line 9--9 of Fig.8 looking in the direcof a modied form of the apparatus whichincorporates additional means for compensating for the thickness ci thematerial being dried or dry mounted;

Fig. is a View similar to Fig. 1l illustrating the parts in changedposition;

Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view on a greatly enlarged scale takenonthe line i8-i 3` ci Fig. 1l, looking the direction of the arrows;

is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional View illustrating details ofconstruction or" the compensating means of Fig. 11;

Fig. 15 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view with certain partsin cross-section illustrating a modified form of pivotal mountings forthe top frame and heating plate or element;

Fig. 16 is a cross-sectionalview taken on the line lli-i6 of Fig. 15,looking in the direction .of the arrows; l

Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional View taken on the line Il--l'l of Fig. 16,looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional -view taken on the line iB-i8 of Fig. 16,looking in the direction of the arrows; and

Fig. 19 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view with certain partsin cross-section illustrating a further modified form of pivotalmounting for the top frame and heating element and including means formoving the top frame to open or non-pressing position.

Referring -primarily to Figs. 1 to 4 inclusive, it will Vbe seen that myimproved apparatus comlprises generally a base 20, a heating plate 22pivotally mounted to the base, a top or pressure frame 24 overlying theheating plate and likewise pivotally mounted to the base, anda lockingand pressure producingA mechanism -26 for maintaining the heating plateand top frame in the position shown in Fig. 1 and for applying pressureto the plate and top frame.

The -base comprises a rectangular frame member 28 mounted upon legs 39which are welded thereto. The frame 28 is provided with suitablelongitudinal and Vtransverse stiffening members 32 having atta-chingflanges Vat their ends which are spot welded to a peripheral fra-me 84.A perforated or foraminous -steel bed plate .and vprints yor mounts areheld between the plates 25`and the top of the heating plate 22.

The Vframe 28 is provided with a pair of relatively heavy transverse,parallel stiiening members 38 which are equidistantly spaced from thecenter line I0f the frame but are arranged relatively close thereto(Figs. 2 and 5). To these parallel members 38 is welded a pair ofdepending bearing plates 40 xedly supporting sleeve bearings 42 in whichare journaled the inner ends of rock shafts 44. The outer end of eachrock shaft 44 is journaled in a sleeve bearing 46 which is iixedlysecured in a depending bearing plate 48 welded or otherwise suitablysecured to the .peripheral frame 34. At the=inner end of each rock shaft44 is xedly secured an arm 58; the arms 5.0 are parallel and arrangedbetween the 'transverse stiffening members 38 and extend upwardly andrearwardly `from 'the shafts 44. Each arm-50 is Welded to a sleeve52secured tothe 4 rock shaft 44 by a tapered pin or key 54 driven throughthe shaft and the sleeve. At their outer extremities the arms 50 areinterconnected by a rod or bar 56 secured thereto. A tensioned biasingspring 58 interconnects the bar 56 and a hook 68 welded to the inside ofthe front of the peripheral frame 34. The spring 58 biases the arms 59in a counterclockwise direction (Figs. l and 4) and tends to hold themin their extreme over dead center positions, the dead center'being theaxis of rotation of the rock shafts 44; the two eXtreme positions areillustrated in Fig. 4 wherein the top frame 24 and the heating element22 are in open position.

The heating plate 22 comprises a front portion E2 and a rear portion 64which is rotatable about .a pivot pin Se carried in the upper end of avertically movable bar 68. The front portion G2 is connected to the rearportion 64 by a pivot pin 'I8 carried in a pair of bearing plates l2,'i4 secured to the front and rear portions of the heating plate,respectively, and at both sides thereof (Fig. 3). As seen in Figs. l, 3and 10, the bearing plates l2 and 'i4 are secured to the sides of theheating plate portions and overlap so that the pivot pin lil can extendthrough and be journaled in coinciding openings or holes 7B in theseplates. The center line of the pin l0 is immediatelyabove the partingline between the'portions-62 and 64 so that there will be nointerference with the free pivoting of the portion `62 relative to theportion 64. The amount of relative pivotal movement in a clockwisedirection (Fig. 1) between the portions 62 and 84 is limited byhook-like extensions 'i8 on the rear edges of the plates 'i2 which areengageable with pins 8D outwardly projecting from the portion E4 orplates T4. Thus as the heating plateportion 62 is moved in a clockwisedirection about the pivot 10 (Fig. 1) the hook-like projections contactthe pins 8B and terminate the relative clockwise movement. The fullextent of this movement is shown in Fig. 4 wherein the hooks 18 are inengagement with the pins 80.

A preferred form of construction for each of the heating plate portions52 and 154 is illustrated inFig. l0 which is an elevational View withparts in section of the front portion 62 of the heating plate 22. Fig.l() shows that the portion comprises a side wall structure 82 to which ailat perforated bottom plate -84 is welded, brazed or otherwise suitablysecured. A top perforated plate 86 is removably secured to the side wallstructure 82 by means of a plurality of resilient members 88 which havetheir inner ends flxedly ysecured-by any suitable means, such as by spotwelding, to the inner and under side of the plate 86. Each resilientmember has its outer spring :linger end 9i) formed with a roundedoutwardlyprojecting portion 82 adapted to engage in short slot oropening 94 in the wall structure y82. The plate 86 is removable so thatready access may be vhad to the heating element (not shown) without thenecessity of removing the heating plate Yportions 62 and 64 from theapparatus.

atrial-is connection is made by a short insulated and preferablyreinforced connector 85 extending between vthe portions 62 and 64 acrossthe hinge or pivot pinassembly (Fig. l)

Electric power is supplied to the heating element through the electricalconnectors 81 projecting outwardly from the plate portion 64 'so as tobe engageable with a complementary electrical connector. The temperatureof the heating platemay be adjustedby means of xa variable resistancecontrolled by a manually operable knob 89.

It is preferred that the top and bottom plates `86 and 84 be perforatedor foraminous as shown in Fig. rather than be of the imperforate orsolid type, because experience has shownthat an imperforate platebecomes exceedingly hot in use and expands tending to bulge and buckle,thereby no longer presenting an even and flat surface against which thephotographic prints may be dried or against which the mounts for thephotographs may be pressed in a dry mounting operation.

As seen in Fig. 10, the side bearing plates 12 are secured to the wallstructure 82 by means of rivets 96. The bearing plates 14 may besimilarly secured to the plate portion 64.

. The heating plate 22 is moved from its flat position as seen in Fig. 1to its open and retracted position as shown in full lines in Fig. 4 by apair of arms 98 secured to and rotatable with the rock shafts 44 throughthe intermediary of generally triangularly shaped plates |00 arranged ateither side of the-apparatus. The arms 98, which may either beinterconnected across the front of the apparatus or may be provided withsidewardly and outwardly extending handles (not shown), are arranged toengage a pair of rollers |02 pivotally mounted on and carried by thefront portion 62 of the heating plate 22. Each roller |02 actually ismounted upon that portion of the bearing plate 'I2 which is riveted tothe si-de wall structure 82 of the portion 62 and pivots freely about astubshaft |04. Spacers |015 space the rollers |02 outwardly from theheating plate portion 62 so as to be engageable by the arms 98.v

As the arms 98 move orare moved upwardly in a clockwise direction(Figs'l and 4), the outer end of an inner short straight portion`|0|6contacts the roller |02 which rides up through an S shaped bend |08 andthen onto an outer straight portion I0. It will be observed from Fig. 4that the portion l0 is inclined or arranged at an angle relative to theshort straight portion |06 and that when the apparatus is in its fullyopen position the portion |06 extends substantially vertically, but thatthe portion i I0 while extending in a generally vertical directionalsois inclined rearwardly at an angle of approximately to the verticaland to the portion |06. This arrangement prevents the weight of theheating plate 22 in the full line position shown in Fig. 4 fromovercoming the force exerted by the 'biasing spring 58, so that theheating plate will remain in the full line position, permitting theinsertion of photographs or mounts on the bottom 'frame 28 beneath therear heating plate portion 64 without danger of burning to the'operator.

Each arm 98 is secured to its associated triangular plate |00 by meansof a short stub shaft |2 which has one end fitted into the hollow arm 98and secured therein by means of a screw ||4 and its opposite end ||6bifurcated so as to slide over-the triangular-plate |00 adjacent onepoint thereof; the bifurcated end ||6 is welded to the plate |00 at ||8.Thus each plate |00 and its associated arm 98 is a rigid assembly andmoves with the rock shaft 44.

lj Each plate |00, as seen in'Fig. 5, is secured adjacent another pointthereof to a sleeve |20 lby welding or other suitable means. The sleeve|20 is rigidly secured upon the outer end of the shaft 44, projectingbeyond the bearing 46, by means of a tapered pin or key |22 driventhrough .the sleeve |20 and the shaft 44.

Adjacent the'third and lower point of the triangular plate |00 a longbar or arm |24 is pivoted on a rivet type pivot pin |26. This armextends upwardly across and beyond the face of the plate |00 beingapproximately twice as long as the longest edge of the plate.Intermediate its ends it is connected to one end of a tension spring |28which has its other end connected to the arm 98 on the straight portion|06 thereof. Opposite the pivot pin |26 the arm |24 carries a second,substantially shorter parallel arm or bar |30 which is secured theretoby a pair of spacers 32 and |34 which have their ends riveted over sothat the bar |30 is securely fastened to the bar |24. The spacers |32and |34 are in the nature of very short shafts and with the bar |30 giverigidity against twisting to the bar |24.

The spacer |34 is adapted to engage in any one of a ,plurality ofnotches v|36 formed in the rear .face of the lower end of a dependingbar or-arm |38 which forms a part of the pressingfand locking mechanism26. The upper end of the bar |38 has a-rectangular opening |40 toreceive the projecting tongue |42 of a pressure bar |44 which extendsacross the top of the top frame 24 and is operatively associatedtherewith so as to resist any generally upward movement of the frame 24occasioned by the introduction between the plates of aY substantialthickness of prints or mountings. It will be observed from Figs. 2 and 3that the pressure bar extends through the slotted upper ends of fourgenerally cylindrical guide posts; the end posts are indicated by thereference character |46 and the intermediate posts aredesignated by thereference character |48.

Fig. 6 clearly showsthe shape of the notches |36 in the arm |38. Eachnotch has a generally flat lower edge terminating at its inner end in'an arcuate face which blends with a slightly upwardly and outwardlyinclined straight part. The pin or stud |34 is arranged to be moved intoengagement with one of the notches by a counterclockwise rotation of thearms 98. Since the spring |28 interconnects the bar |24 and the arm 98this movement is transmitted to the arm |24. If the arm |38 is in theposition shown in Fig. 6 the stud or spacer |34 will engage in one ofthe notches |36 depending upon the thickness of the material between theelements 22, 24 and 28. Since the teeth |37 are relatively lsmallcompared to the notches |36 and since the upper edge of each notch isinclined the spacer |34 will engage in that notch closest to its path ofmovement.

The pressure bar |44 is guided in each of the end guide posts |46 bymeans of a slottedcylindrical spring pad |50 to which it is secured'bymeans of rivets |52. If desired, the spring pads can be used in' theintermediate posts |48 but this is not usually necessary. Coil springsv|54 are confined between the lower face of the'pressure bar |44 and theupper edgeof top frame members |56. These springs |54 bias the pressurebar upwardly and away from the frame but ine -neperidng star :sa @when:engaged by spacer 134.32m one :of V.then'otches 1.36 draws the pressure:bar i44fdownwardly. L'Ihe combination-ofthelbar |38, pressure bar |44and springs: |.=54 insures"that a substantially even iam-cunt :ofpressure vis applied at all times tothe rame;24.and,rtherefoxte, fthe:prints duringdrying ,or dry mounting. To gprevent the tinadvertentremoval. of 'the .pressure fbar Alilllrandfehe associatedmechanismiromithe :tgp :traine 24 when it, is in :the-fidi, linetposition shown in Fig. 4, caps nl S'fmay :bessecured'ito1-theiunperaendnf .the guide posts 146. The l:caps |58 are of .the snap Yontype, ibut other capslor .clo- :suresemay beused.

I f .desiredgadditional spring meansxmaybepo- Y :sitioned :above'thepressure bar |44 in fthe posts |4| 4together with some meansregulating the sicwnward-'pressme exertedjoy these, added spring ameans.These'lattermeans mighttaketheform .Qfia.threadedgshaftronbolt screwedintothenpper .end .of the posts |146 which Wouldbe :threaded sorasgtoregulatethe pressure upon'the additional springs andmpon the springs|54.

The engagement of the spacer |34 in a `notch .|36 wilihold thegapnaratusin pressing .position eis-'shown in Fig. i"with the heatingplate122and `tQlfxirame 24 ,in horizontal :position` The spacer |34 isdisengaged to release these elements by {rotating-:the arms -358clockwise sothat a Din |68 carriediby thextriangular plate Hifi adjacentthat corner tozwhich'the arm'g is secured .contacts -therarm1|24intermediate. its pivot point .|26 and :the spacer |32. Thetengagementof the pin |60 withthebar |24 lisshown infull lines in Fig. 4.'biitsoccurs -hefore :the arms L98 engage the rollers 102. After fthepin |60 has struck the bar v| 24 andthe arms 98 arefurthermovedintheclock- .wise direction-the spacer |34 will be disengagedzfltom'thernotch r| 36 since it is carried at theouter endmf fthearm|24. yAssoonas the spacerhas :been :released from the depending .bar|38, a *springbiasingxmechanism |60..at the rear of :the fapparatusiwillimmediately move ithe iframe.i2 4 ifrom its horizontal position to .itsnonoperating 'nr repen Yposition as l:seenin full lines in 'Fig. 14.

The spring biasing mechanism :|69 ,is vbest :Showniin :Fig: B Landcomprises Va spiral clock type 'spring :|62 which has .its outer endsecured to a min .|64 on fa vertical vand .vertically movable :ha-r16,6. Its inner end :is lsecured '.to a 'stub ,shaft L68 to'Which-theirame;24 is ,weldedor otherwise secured. The stub yshaft :|68 is'.pivo'tally .'jour.- naied in the upper .end :of `the fvertical bar li:andfis providediwith a nut Q;on1its outerend.

:As seen inFig. 9, ithe spring `|562 iis retained ^be- .n

:tween .fa :pair of *.,plates or discs :|112 rotatably .mounted ontheshaft |58 and 'in engagement ewithnhoulders |14 yso as to provide aclearxsnace therebetween in Ywhich the ,spring 5|62 is, :con-

,The frame 2 4 `is @provided :with re arwardly .ex- Ltending lugs 1B:which are spot welded 4or :othertwisesuitably secured rto the yside.plates L58 and which are welded to the shaft |68 so that counter-'The'yerticallytovableczbars:.68 and fl 66 are: r` .strained .againstfside 4 or ftwisting 'movement ysubstantially square 'guides |84 whichlare 1in turn xedly secured as by weldingto rearwardly extending platesISG which are fwelded :orliveted 'to the legs :30. In prder to l prevent:the hars 98 and '|66 'from vmoving downwardly :and thus ioweringthe`pivots -Eli-and |68 .beyondypredeterminedpoints leach .bar isvprovidedwith@ position .limiting ypin 1| 86 :extending therethrough Aand' beyond:the sides .thereof fin a .driveitpso as to be engageable with the topedge of the .guides 15h34. In this way 'the bars *mayj-move upwardly:from n.their lowest positions '.(Figs. g1 and i8) :butfmay l not move idownwardly lfrom-tlfiat position.

vWheniazsubstagntial thickness of material fis planedbetween .the baseor-lower-frame-341andthe heating element 22, `or between 4the elementr-272 :and :the :topframe y21|, the pivots 66 and |68 fwill morevertically v:as l'the 'bars 168 and |66 es lide vupwardly vertically intheir gguides i184 :to #compensate for the thickness of the material.

.fBecause Athe top frame 2:4 doesnotgreturn to horizontal -position'ofits own accord or .of sits own weight. 'fa forwardly extending 1-rod L88l:is secured to the frontgof thecframe Vand-is fpro- V'vided #with 1a"comfortable vspherical iknob I|90 screwed'onto the threaded outerzendy|92 of the rod |88.

'While 'the operation :of this photographic 'print 'drying and drymounting .apparatus .or -press might -beapparent yfrom the foregoingl-description i of "its construction and the description yofi-the,operation of some ofthe subcombinations, V.a Fbetter understanding of.its advantagesy [can be had if a summary of a typical drying or ldrymounting operation is made at this point.

-If itis assurnedithatthe elements :of the :press or apparatus arein thefull `line-position of Fig. .4, then the apparatus gis in condition .todeceive ieither ,prints vfor fdrying or .mounts .to .which .photographic.prints are desired to be :aixed fFor the sake of .simplicity a dryingoperation .rather .than .a :dry imounting y operation will .be

described.

.The :wetor vdamp prints are laid xface -down- M1-ard .on the bed plate6 vof thelbottomirame .283preferably beginning-:with a backfrowof printslaid beneath the .back .portion '54 fof :the heating plate-222. -When.the plate 33B .has been covered .With-.printsthe arms 8 are-moveddownwardly `in a ,counterclocltwise direction .until :the front`fportion j|52 fof the vheat-ing .plate `rests .-lat .upon thefbed.plate 35 and the ylower frame 28. -and .thereoreallcof -the fprintswhich were Y previously .laidnponthe plate 3 6 are-covered by the heat-:ing iplate 22. Thismovementagainst the force of :thaspring 58 -isAassisted ,by .the -weight .of the heatingfplatelwhichin the apparatusillustrated .is :about sixty,pounds. `.When the arms 9 8 .have.beenrotated.downwardly suiiicientlyto bring the .heating.plate.22 intoh orizcntalgposition the .bar ..56 lis .at ...its dead .centerrposition. -After 'the lheating l.plate A2-2 thas .been glowered .to itsyhorionalposition then ,wet. or.damp prints may .be .placed .upon the.top thereof .and are preferably placed tace .up until .the top. of thel heating 4Plate has been covered vor at least until all of the .printsat lit .is desired -to dry .have been put into :the apparatus.

-When this iis done, ,then the handle |90 is :grasped @to lower ,the,top :or Ipressure .frame .e214 to itshorizontal position in which Yit.is yto he flocked with the .perforated :plate l.25 against ithe face ofthe prints.

not lie in the path of movement of the depending arm |38. As pointed outpreviously, the counterclockwise rotation of the frame 24 to itshorizontal position winds the spring |62.

Y With the top frame 24 manually held in horizontal position the arms 98are moved to their lowermost position which movement is greatlyimplemented by the spring 58 (Fig. 1). During this movement the spring|26 draws the bar |24 in a counterclockwise direction so that the spacer|34 engages in one of the notches |36 to lock the top frame in itshorizontal position.- It will be observed that this movement of the bar|24 is not purely rotational but has a substantial downward componentbecause the pivot |26 itself pivots about the center line of the rockshafts 44. When the spacer |34 has engaged one of the notches |36 itdies so prior to the time the arms 98 are in their extreme lowestposition and further movement ci the arms in the counterclockwisedirection assisted by the spring 68 draws the spacer |34 downwardly and,therefore, the pressure bar |44 downwardly against the force of thesprings |54. The result is to lock the superposed pressure frame 24,heating plate 22 and base frame 28 under pressure.

In Figs. 1, and 6 the spacer |34 is shown engaged in the topmost of thenotches |36. This is true when the apparatus is empty or has thin printsin it. If the thickness oi' the print being dried is considerable or ifdry mounting operations are being carried on, then the notch engagedwill be one, two, three, four or more below the uppermost notch. Whenthe thickness of the material being dried or dry mounted is considerableas indicated, the pivots 66 and |68 move upwardly to compensate for thisthickness, and they do so readily since the vertical bars 68 and |66 arefreely slidable in their guides |04.

With the press locked as shown in Fig. 1 the heating element current isturned on. It may ofcourse be turned on prior to loading the press,

but if this is done care must be taken not to touch the heating plate22.

After the time for drying the prints or for a dry mounting has beencompleted, the apparatus is opened by moving the arms 98 in a clockwisedirection suiiiciently to release the locking a mechanism 26. Thismechanism is released by contact of the pin |60 against the bar |24 todisengage the spacer |34 from the notch |36. Immediately upondisengagement of the spacer |34 from the notch i326 the spring mechanism|60 which previously was wound by moving the top or pressure frame 24 ina counterclockwise direction will move this frame to its verticalposition at a speed regulated by the dashpot |18. First the prints whichwere laid on top of the heating plate are removed from the press andthen the arms 9S are further moved in a clockwise direction by means ofthe spring 58 to raise the heating plate by iirst rotating the frontportion 62 about the pivot 76 and then by rotating both portions aboutthe pivot 06 until they assume full line position shown in Fig. 4. Thenthose prints which were laid face down on the bottom plate 36 areremoved. It should be noted that the apparatus is so constructed thatthe spring 58 will hold the heating plate 22 in any position to which itis moved and that only a slight manual effort is require-d to move it.

It may be desirable that the amount of pressure exerted in pressing thetop or pressure With the bar 56 in its deadcenterposition the bar |24and spacer |34 willr frame 24 against the lower frame be varied orincreased. Figs. 1l to 14 show a mechanism for increasing the vpressureof the pressure bar |44 against the frame 24 so that the pressureexerted during print drying or dry mounting, and particularly during drymounting may be regulated. In these figures, where the elementcorresponds exactly to the element illustrated in Figs. 1 to 10, thesame reference character is used.

The pressure bar |44 is supported in the posts |46 and |48 as in thepreviously described embpdiment. However, the springs |56 do not actdirectly against the lower edge of the pressure bar or against pads inthe posts |46. Rather, these springs act against the lower edge of longsubsidiary pressure bars |94 which are pivotally carried by links |96and |98. The links |96 are pivoted at 200 to the pressure bar |44 andthe links |98 are pivoted intermediate their ends at 202 to the pressurebar |44. The distance'between the pivots 200 and 202 and the bars |94are equal so that the bars |94 will at all times be maintained in aparallel position relative to the pressure bar |44 as seen in Figs. 11and 12.

The links |96 are arranged in pairs on opposite sides of the pressurebar |44 but the links 202 .are preferably constructed as shown in Fig.13 with bifurcated lower ends 203 and an upper solid portion 204. Theupper end of each link |98 is pivoted at 206 to the bifurcated end of athreaded connector or clevis 208. Each clevis 208 is screwed onto oneend of a threaded rod 2|0 which has its opposite endthreadedly engagedin a long hub 2|2 of a hand wheel 2|4.

One oi the screws 2 |0 and its associated threaded hub 2|2 is providedwith a right hand thread while the other is provided with a left handthread so that when the hand Wheel 2|4 is rotated the clevises 208 aremoved toward or away from each other to rotate the bifurcated links |98about the pivots '202.

With the print drying and dry mounting apparatus illustrated in Figs. 11and 14 the prints or mounts are placed between the heating plate 22 andthe top and bottom frames and then these elements are locked together aspreviously described taking care, however, that the subsidiary pressurebars |94 are in their retracted position against the lower `edge'of thepressure bar |44 (Fig. 12). After the top frame 24 has been locked inposition the hand wheel 2|4 is rotated totdraw the links |98 toward thevertical position, thus moving the subsidiary pressure bars |94 awayfrom the pressure bar |44 to increase the pressure applied to the printsor dry mounts. In this Way the pressure exerted downwardly by thesprings on the top frame 24 may be more carefully adjusted and increasedwithout modifying the locking mechanism. The springs |54 may be Vomittedfrom the modication shown in Figs. l1 to 14, in which case the bars |94will react directly against the top frame 24. With the apparatus in theposition of Fig. 12 and the springs |54 omitted/the top frame 24 isbrought to horizontal position and the locking mechanism 26 is engaged.The hand vwheel 2 I4 is rotated to swing the links |98 toward each otherto move the pressure bar |44 upwardly to take up any slack which theremight be in the locking mechanism. This is particularly advantageouswhen a very thick amount of material is placed between the elements ofthe press,

In Figs. 15 to 18, both inclusive, there is illustrated another form ofthe hinged mounting for the heating plate 22 and the top frame 24. The

plate 22 is provided with rearwardly extending lugsA or'ears 22e andthetop frameis provided with-similar but slightly longer rearwardlyextending lugs or ears 222. These ears 221i'l and 222 areV respectivelyspot welded or otherwise permanently axed to the heating plate 22 andthe' top frame 24, respectively. The heating plate 22 is pivoted bymeans of a pivotl pin 224 to the upper end of a vertically extending andvertically adjustable bar 226, while the top frame 24-is similarly`pivoted by means of a pivot pin 228 to the upper end of a verticallyextending and vertically adjustable bar 232. These bars 225 and 230are-not freely slidable vertically as was-the-case with the mountingillustrated in Figs. 1 toil() but may be locked in any adjusted positionby means of a locking mechanism 232. Thisjlocking mechanism, preferablyduplicated at both sides of the apparatus, is mounted upon and includesa plate 234 which is welded to the re`ar leg-3 of the base. It alsoincludes a front plate 236 between which is mounted a wedging means 238by a plurality of bolts 242 and nuts 242. The Wedging means 238 is mostclearly seenin Fig. 17 and comprises three elementsside'1 plates or bars242 and a middleY splitl bar 244". The bar 24ll is centrally slotted at248' from itsf upper end downwardly to a point adjacent its' lower endandY is provided with three equidistantly spaced substantiallycylindrical openings-.248, 250 and 252, which are'adapted to'. receiveva" fl'at-headed bolt 254. As seen in Figs. LVandy 1S; when this bolt. isdrawnv up tight its tapered'flat head engages in conical recesses 255coaxial with the openings 248, 250 or 252V to spread the sides of thebar 244 away from the centerth'ereof so as to engage both of thevertically' extending bars 226 and 230 thereby to wedge them against theadjacent side bars 242 in their vertically adjusted positions. mannerthe bars 222 and 233 aresnugly` held andQtherefore, the pivots 224 and2281 areA i'irmly held against accidental movement. Threeopenings-2481', 25B and 252 are provided to permit vertical adjustmentof the bar 244 relative to the'mounting plate 234 and the application ofgreater or lesser pressures against the bars 226 and 231i'.` The bolt254'is tightened by means of a short threaded sleeve 258 provided withturning finger members 260. The sleeve 258 reacts against the rear faceof the plate 234. If desired an ordinary Wingnut may be substituted forthe threaded sleeve 258.

The mechanismA for locking the top or presz sureA frame 24 and heatingplate 22 against rthe lower frame 28 in this modication is the sameas'tliat shown in Fig. l and, similarly; the mechanism for raising theheating pate 22 is the sameas that shown in Fig. 1. However, the biasingmechanism for `automatically moving the top frame to its verticalposition is preferably as illustrated in Figs. 15 and 16.

This biasing mechanism comprises a cylinder 262`which-is closed at bothende. A piston 254 of the -cup washer type is slidable in the cylindersand is secured to one end of a piston rod 265 by means of a nut 268threaded on the reduced end portion 21B of the piston rod 266. A spring212 coniined between the lower end of the" cylinder 252 and the piston22e biases the pistonand thus the piston rod upwardly (Fig. 15); TheApiston rod extends outwardlythrough an'..opening 214 in the upper end ofthe cylinder 262 and has a threaded `upper end 21e project- In this ,i

ingthrough onev ear 218 of a right angle member which has its other ear282 pivotally mount'- ed by means of a rivet type pivot 284 to therearwardly extending ear 222 of the top frame 213. A nut 285- threadedonto the piston rod 216 fastens the piston rod to the angle. Anymovement which is imparted to the piston rod 26B is transmitted to themember 222 and, therefore, to the top frame 24.

Inv orderto limit the speed with which the springs 212 will move thepiston 264 and, therefore, theA top frame 24 upwardly, a restricting airhole 258 is provided in the upper end'of the cylinder, and an air bleedregulator 290 is threadedinto the lower end of the cylinder-262. Thisregulator includes a valve body 292 having a tapered. valve stem 234threaded thereinto. An airv hole- 296 formed in the side of the valvebody communicates with the outlet 288 from thevalve body at itsinnerend. A locknut 3BE secures the valve 234 in any adjusted position.Byadjusting the position of the tapered valve 294 in the valve-body thespeed with which air is admitted to the interior ofthe lower end oi thecylinder 2t2 may be regulated, and' thus a damping effect is. imposedupon the piston 264 to limit' its speed of movement by the spring 212.

The cylinder 262 is pivoted to the lower end of the bar 23S by means ofa lug 302 secured to the piston 252 anda pivotV pin 304 extendingthrough the lug 322 andthe bar 239.' Thus when the bar 238 is movedverticalfyA to adjust the position of the top frame relativeto theheating plate 22 and to the bottom frame 28', there is no change in therelative positions of/ the three pivots 284, 228 and 334 and, therefore,such adjustment has no eiTect upon the action ofthe mechanism .biasingthe top frameV 24 to its` vertical position.

In this modification when the handles 98 are operated to unlock thelocking mechanism 26 and to release the top frame 24, the compressedspring 212 will move the piston 264 and piston rod 266 upwardly. Thismovement of the piston rod Amoves the pivot 284 upwardly in a clockwisedirection about the pivot 228, and the top frame 24 is thus moved to itsvertical position. The-frame 24 is returned to horizontal positionmanually;A this return compresses the springs 212. If desired the clockspring |62 can -be used with the locking mechanism 232.

IrrFig. 19' there is illustrateda further modication of the means formoving the top or pressureirame 24 from its horizontal'to its verticalposition. The heating plate 22 and the top frame 24 are pivoted to thebase by a mounting 232 similar to that shown in Figs. 15 to 18, andsimilar reference characters have been used in these figures to indicatesimilar or the same parts.

A mechanism` 394` for raising, the top frame 24 includes a cylinder 396closed at its upper and lower ends in a conventional manner. A piston ofthe cup washer type 388 is slidable inthe cylinder 38 and is securedtolower end 314 of a piston'rod 3H! by means of a nut 312. A spring 32Sis conned between the inner face of the piston 338 and the upper end ofthe closed cylinder 305. The piston rod 310 extends'outwardly andupwardly of the piston 306 and is iixedly secured'to one ear BIS of ashort angle member 32B which has its other ear 322 pivotally connectedby means of a pin 324 to one corner of a quadrant plate 326. Thequadrant plate 326 issecured as by welding to the rear end'offthe topframe 24 and is pivoted at 224 to the upper end of the verticallyadjustable bar 230.

The lower end of the cylinder 306 is Provided with an air bleed 326 toregulate the speed of movement of the piston 308 and is provided with amounting angle 328 having one ear 332 bolted to the lower end of thepiston and its other ear 334 secured by a pivot pin 336 to the verticalbar 230. If desired an adjustable air bleed similar to the air bleed 290may be used.

A center line 338` is drawn vertically through the pivots 336 and 228and a second center line 340 is drawn through the piston-cylindercombination and the pivot 324. 'I'he center line 340 lies forwardly ofthe center line 338; thus, when the top frame 24 is in its lower orhorizontal position the spring SAS tends to hold it in that positioneven though the top frame 24 may be From 'the foregoing it wiii beobserved than 1 a new and improved photographic print drying and drymounting press or apparatus has been Vdisclosed which attains all of theobjectives claimed for it in the opening paragraphs of thisspecification. It will be obvious to those skilled rin the art thatchanges and `modifications mayA be made in this apparatus withoutdepartingl from the spirit and scope of the invention which is limitedonly by the scope of the appended claims. Y

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by United StatesLetters Patent is:

1. A photographic print drying and mounting apparatus comprising a baseframe, a top pressure frame, a heating plate disposed between said baseframe and said top pressure frame, means pivotally mounting said heatingplate relative toV said base frame, means pivotally mounting said toppressure frame relative to said heating plate and to said base frame, aspring mechanism acting between said top pressure frame andv said baseframe for biasing said top pressure frame away from said base frame andsaid heating plate, and a locking mechanism for holding said base frame,said heating plate and said top pressure frame in superposed positionagainst the effect of said biasing mechanism.

2. A photographic print drying and mounting apparatus comprising a baseframe, a top pressure frame, a heating plate disposed between said baseframe and said top pressure frame, means pivotally mounting said heatingplate relative to said base frame, means pivotally mounting said toppressure frame relative to said heating plate and to said base frame, aspring mechanism including a spiral spring having one end fixed to apart of said base frame and the other end aiiixed to said second pivotalmounting means for biasing said top pressure frame away from said baseframe and said heating plate, andra locking mechanism for holding saidbase frame', said heating plate and said top pressure'frame insuperposed position against the `eiect of sai biasing mechanism.

vreleased from the locking and pressure produc- -ing mechanism 26. 20

"i il 3. A photographic print drying and mounting apparatus comprising abase frame, a top pressure frame, a heating plate disposed between saidbase frame and said top pressure frame, means pivotally mounting saidheating plate relative to said base frame, means pivotally mounting saidtop pressure frame relative to said heating plate and to said baseframe, a spring mechanism including a spiral spring having one fixed endand one end affixed to said second pivotal mounting means for biasingsaid top pressure frame away from said base frame and said heatingplate, a device for regulating the speed with which said pressure framemoves under the iniluence of said biasing mechanism, and a lockingmechanism for holding said base frame, said heating plate and saidV topvpressure frame in superposed position against the effect of saidbiasing mechanism.

4'. A photographic print drying and mounting apparatus comprising a baseframe, a pressure frame, a heating plate disposed between said baseframe and said pressure frame, a rst pivot for ymounting said heatingplate for movement relative to said base frame, a second pivot mountingsaid pressure frame for movement relative to said heating plate and tosaid base frame, a `spring mechanism acting between a point on said baseframe xed relative to said second pivot and said top pressure frame forrotating said pressure frame away from said base frame and said heatingplate, and a locking mechanism for holding said base frame, said heatingplate and said pressure frame in superposed position.

"5l A photographic print drying and mounting apparatus comprising a baseframe, a pressure frame, a heating plate disposed between said baseframe and saidpressure frame, a rst pivot for mounting said heatingplate relative to said base Vand said pressure frame in superposedposition.

6. A photographic print drying and mounting apparatus comprising a baseframe, a pressure frame, a heating plate disposed between said baseframe and said pressure frame, a rst pivot for mounting said heatingplate for movement relative to said base frame, a second pivot formounting said pressure frame for movement relative to Asaid heatingplate and to said base frame, means for adjusting the position of saidsecond pivot in a straight line relative to said base, a springmechanism including a cylinder and a spring biased piston slidabletherein connected toand acting between said means and said pressureframe for rotating said pressure frame away from said base frame andsaid heating plate, and a locking mechanism for holding said base frame,said heating plate and said pressure frame in superposed position.

7. `A photographic print drying and mounting apparatus comprising a baseframe, a pressure frame, a heating plate disposed between said baseframe and said pressure frame, a first pivot for mounting said heatingplate for movement relative to said base frame, a second pivot mountingsaid pressure frame for movement relative'to said heating plate and tosaid base frame, means for atraiga yadjusting-fthe positionof saidsecond Apivot in a -straightline relative to said base, a springmechanism including a cylinder anda spring biased piston slidabletherein having a rst part pivotally connected to said means and a secondpart Lpivotally connected to said pressure frame, forro- .tating saidpressure frame away from said base frame and said heating plate, and alocking :mechanism for holding said base frame, said heating plate andsaid pressure frame in vsuperposed position.

8. A photographic print drying and mounting :apparatus comprising a-baseframe, a -pressure frame, a Vheating plate disposed between said `-baseframe and said pressure frame, a rst pivot for .mounting said heatingplate for movement -relative to saidibaseframe, a second pivot-mountingsaid pressure frame for movement relative V ,to-said heating plate andto said base .-frame, a .vertically movable bar carrying said secondpivot -Ior adjusting the position of said second pivot ,relative to saidbase, a spring mechanism con- ,nectedto and acting between said bar andsaid 1pressure frame -for rotating said pressure frame `:away from saidbase frame and said heating plate, anda locking mechanism for holdingsaid `base frame, said heating plate and said pressure -frame insuperposed position.

,9. A'photographic print drying and mounting apparatus comprising Yabase frame, a vpressure iframe, a .heating plate disposed between saidbaseframe and said pressurefra-me, a rst pivot forV mounting saidheating plate for movement -relative.to-saidbase frame, a second pivotmountling said pressure frame for movement relative to ,said Aheatingplate and to said base frame, a ver- ,tically movable bar carrying saidsecond pivot for adjusting the positionof said-second pivot rela- .,tive.tosaid base, a spring mechanism including .a cylinder rand a springbiased piston vslidable -thereinhaving a first part-pivotally connectedto .said bar and a second part pivotallyconnected to said `pressureframe rvfor rotating said pressure frame away from said base frame and.said heat- .ing plate, and a locking mechanism for holding said baseframe, said heating -plate and :said pressure vframe in superposedposition.

10..A photographic print drying and mounting apparatus comprising a baseframe, a top irame, a :heating Iplate disposed between said'.base1rameandsaid .top frame, a first pivot Yfor mounting said heatingplate for movement rela- .tive to .said base frame, a second pivotmounting said .top frame for movement 'relative :to said vheating `plate.and to said base frame, means v.mounting said second pivot and movableto adxjust the position of said second pivot in a straight line relativeto said base, anda springmecha- .,nismhavingover deadcenter-positionsconnected .tonand acting between said mounting means andsaid top frame for biasing said toprframe toward one position and forrotating said top Ypressure frame away -from said `base frame and said`heat- `ing .plate 1l. A photographic print drying and mountingapparatus comprising a base frame, a 'top pressure frame, a heatingplate disposed between .said base -frame :and said top 4pressure frame,a niirst, pi.vot for mounting said -heating plate for imo-vementrelative to said base frame, a second pivot mounting `said `top pressure-frame -for movement relative to said heating plate 'and to .-said baseframe, a spring mechanism having two lover dead center positionsconnected to said Vtop pressure frame for biasingsaid top pressure y 116`trame `towardione Iposition and vfor Vrotating said top pressure frameawayirom said base frame andsaid Lheating plate, and a 4lockingmechanism for holding said vbase frame, vsaid heating plate and said`top pressure frame in superposed vposition.

.12. AA .photographic print dryingand mounting apparatus comprising abase frame, a top lframe, Aa heating gplate disposed betweenv said baseframe and said top frame, a rstfpivot mounting .said heating plateformovement,relativeto said base frame, a second pivot mounting said top-frame for movement relative to said heating plate and to said baseframe, means'carryingfsaid second ypivot to adjust its position relativeto :said base frame, a cylinder pivotally 'connected .to said means,apiston slidable in said cylinder. a piston rod connected to said pistonand pivot" ally connected to said top-frame, said last .named .pivotalconnection havinga pair -of overdead center positions relative to said4second pivot, anda spring contained within saidrcylinder and 4biasingsaid piston to move said pivotal connectionto one o its over dead centerpositions.

13. A-photographic print drying and mounting apparatus .comprising abaseframe, a top frame, va heating plate disposed'between said basefframe and said top frame, means pivotally mounting said heating platerelative to said basename, means pivotally mounting said top frame,-relative to said heating plate and said base frame, and means mountingboth said pivotal mount.- ingmeans and movable to adjust both said-pivotal mounting means in a straight line relative to said base frameto compensate for the thickness of material placed between said base`frame and said heating plate and between said heat- .,ingplateandsaidtopframe.

14. A photographicprint dryingand mounting apparatus `comprising a baseframe, a topframe, a heating plate disposed between said base frameandsaid top frame, a rst pivot for mounting 4said heating plateforrotational movement relative to said base frame, va second pivot formounting said top frame for rotational movement relative to -saidheating Lplate andsaid base framefa pair of vertically movable barscarrying said pivots, and guide means for said bars whereby both or oneof said pivots maybe adjusted relative to said .base frame to compensatefor the thickness of material placed between said base frame and saidheating plateand between said heating. plate and-said top frame.

15. The combination set forth in claim 14 including means interposedbetween said bars and said guide means for limiting the verticalmovementof said bars in one direction.

16. A photographic print drying and mounting apparatus comprising abaseframe, a top frame, a heating plate disposed between said baseframe and,said top frame, a irst pivot for mounting Ysaid heating plate forrotational movement relative to said base frame, a second pivot formounting said top frame for rotational movement relative to saidheatingplate and ,said baseframe, a `pair of vertically adjustable barscarrying said pivots-and `a device for locking said bars againstmovement from their adjusted positions, Whereby .both or one ofsaidpivots may be adjusted relative to said base frame to compensate, forrthe thickness of material placed between lsaid .base frame -and saidheating plate and said Ahea-ting plateand said top frame.

17. .A photographic print drying and mounting apparatus comprising abase frame,.atop frame,

a heating plate disposed between said base frame and said top frame, arst pivot for mounting said heating plate for rotational movementrelative to said base frame, a second pivot for mounting said top framefor rotational movement relative to said heating plate and said baseframe, a pairbf vertically adjustable bars carrying said pivots, and awedging means engageable with said bars for locking them againstmovement from their adjusted positions, whereby both or one of saidpivots may be adjusted relative to said base frame to compensate for thethickness of material placed between said base frame and said heatingplate and said heating plate and said top frame.

18. A photographic print drying and mounting apparatus comprising a baseframe, a pressure frame, a heating plate disposed between said baseframe and said pressure frame, means pivotally mounting said heatingplate for movement relative to said base frame, means pivotally mountingsaid pressure frame for movement relative to said heating plate and tosaidbase frame, and means including a pressure bar carried by saidpressure frame, an element secured to said pressure bar and possessing aplurality of positioned engaging means and a member pivotally mountedrelative to said base frame for engagement with said element at anyselected one of said plurality of positions for holding said pressureframe, said heating plate and said base frame in superposed position andfor applying pressure thereto.

19. A photographic print drying and mounting apparatus comprising a baseframe, a pressure frame, a heating plate disposed between said baseframe and said pressure frame, means pivotally mounting said heatingplate for movement relative to said base frame, means pivotally mountingsaid pressure frame for movement relative to said heating plate and tosaid base frame, and means including a pressure bar having a pluralityof notches formed therein carried by said pressure frame and a memberpivotally mounted relative to said base frame for engagement with saidpressure bar in any selected one of said plurality of notches forholding said top pressure frame, said heating plate and said base framein superposed position and for applying pressure thereto.

20. A photographic print drying and mounting apparatus comprising a baseframe, a pressure frame, a heating plate disposed between said baseframe and said pressure frame, means pivotally mounting said heatingplate for movement relative to said base frame, means pivotally mountingsaid pressure frame for movement relative to said heating plate and tosaid base frame, spring loaded means for moving said pressure plate awayfrom said heating plate, and means including a pressure bar having aplurality of notches formed therein carried by said pressure frame and amember pivotally mounted relative to said base frame for engagement withsaid pressure bar in any selected one of said plurality of notches forholding said pressure frame, said heating plate and said base frame insuperposed position and for applying pressure thereto.

21. A photographic print drying and mounting apparatus comprising a baseframe, a pressure frame, a heating plate disposed between said baseframe and said pressure frame, means pivotally mounting said heatingplate for movement relative to said base frame, means pivotally mountingsaid pressure frame for movement relative to said heater plate and tosaid base frame, a presing said pressure frame, sa1d heating plate andsa1d base frame in superposed position and ior applying pressurethereto.

zz. A photographic print drying and mounting apparatus comprising a baseirame, a pressure I'rame, a heating plate disposed between saidv base:trame and salu pressure frame, means pivotally mounting said heatingplate i'or movement relative to said base frame, means pivotallymounting said pressure frame for movement relative to said heating plateand to said base Irame, a pressure bar having a plurality or' notchesformed therein carried by said pressure frame, a

rst membery pivotally mounted relative to said base frame, a secondmember pivotally carried by saidY first member and adapted to engage inany selected one or said plurality of notches for holding said pressureframe, said heating plate and said baseframe in superposed position andfor applying pressure thereto, and a spring means i'or holding saidsecond member in notch engaging position.

25. A photographic print drying and mounting apparatus comprising a baseframe, a pressure frame, a heating plate disposed between said baseframe and said pressure frame, means pivotally mounting said heatingplate for movement relative to said base frame, means pivotally mountingsaid pressure frame for'movement relative to said heating plate and tosaid base frame, a pressure bar carried by said pressure frame, saidpressure bar having a notched member affixed thereto a first memberpivotally mounted relative to said base frame, a second member pivotallymounted on said first member and adapted to engage said notched member,movable means for rotating said members so that said second memberengages said notched member and then moves said notched member and saidpressure bar to apply pressure to said pressure frame and said heatingplate in superposed position, spring means associated with said movablemeans and said first member for moving said second memberr into notchengaging position and applying pressure to said pressure bar throughsaid members, a third member actuated by said movable means andengageable with said second member to release said second member fromsaid notched member, and spring loaded means for moving said pressureframe away from said heating plate and said base frame.

24. A photographic print drying and mounting apparatus comprising a baseframe, a pressure frame, a heating plate disposed between said base`frame and said pressure frame, means pivotally mounting said heatingplate for movement relative to said base frame, means pivotally mountingsaid pressure frame for movement relative to said heating plate and tosaid base frame, a pressure bar carried by said pressure frame,

means rotatable relative to said base frame en/ gageable with saidpressure bar for applying pressure to said base frame, said pressureplate and said heating plate when said last named elements are insuperposed position, and means carried by said pressure bar forincreasing the pressure applied to said pressure frame, said heatingplate and said base frame.

25. A photographic print drying and mounting apparatus comprising aAbase frame, apressure irame, a heating plate disposed between said baseframe and said pressure `frame, means Lpivotally mounting said heatingplate for movement relative to said base frame, means pivotally mountingsaid pressure V,iframe for movement relative to said "heating plate andto said base frame, a pressure bar carried by said pressure frame, meansrotatable relative to said base frame for and engageable with saidpressure bar for applying pressure to said base frame, said pressureplate and said heating plate when said last named elements are insuperposed position, longitudinal members pivotally carried by saidpressure bar in parallel relation thereto1 resilient means positionedbetween `said members and said pressure frame, and rmeans for movingsaid members away Vfrom said pressure bar and toward said pressure frame`for increasing the pressure applied to said pressure frame, saidheating plate and said base frame.

26. A photographic print drying and mounting apparatus comprising `abase frame, a pressure frame, a heating plate disposedbetween said baseframe and said pressure frame, means pivotally mounting said heatingplate for movement relative to said base frame, means pivotally mountingsaid pressure frame for movement Yrelative to said heating plate and tosaid base frame, a pressure bar having a Vplurality of notches formedtherein carried by said pressure frame, a iirst member pivotally mountedrelative to said base frame, a second member pivotally carried by saidfirst member and adapted to engage in any selected one of said pluralityof notches for holding said pressure frame, said heating plate and saidbase frame in superposed position and for applying pressure thereto,spring means for holding said second member in its notch engagingposition, movable means connected to said first member for pivoting saidrst member to bring said second member into notch engaging position andfor engagement with a part of said heating plate for moving said heatingplate into and out of superposed position relative to said base frame,anda spring mechanism cooperatively associated with said rst member andsaid movable means and having a pair of over dead center positions formoving said movable means to and holding it in one position wherein saidheating plate has been moved away from said base frame and in anotherposi-tion for applying pressure to said pressure bar.

27. A photographic print drying and mounting apparatus comprising a baseframe, a pressure frame, a heating plate disposed between said baseframe and said pressure frame, means pivotally mounting said heatingplate for movement relative to said base frame, means pivotally mountingsaid pressure frame for movement relative to said heating plate and tosaid base frame, a pressure bar having a plurality of notches formedtherein carried by said pressure frame, a rst member pivotally mountedrelative to said base frame, a second member pivotally carried by saidrst member and adapted to engage in any selected one of said pluralityof notches for holding said pressure frame, said heating plate and saidbase frame in superposed position and for applying pressure thereto, anarm connected to said rst member for pivoting said rst member t0 brine.Sad ySegond member into notch @11,- eagine position and .for engagementwith a part of saidV heating plate for moving said heating plate intoand yout .of superposed position relative to said base frame, and faspring Ymechanism cooperatively associated with said frst member andsaid arm .and having a pair o f over dead center positions for movingsaid arm to and hold.- ing it in one position Vwherein vsaid heatingplate has been moved away ,from said base frame and in another positionAfor 'applying pressure to said pressure bar through .Said-hist.-andsecond members.

28. A photographic print drying and mounting apparatus comprising a baseframe, a top frame,l a heating plate disposed between .said k base frameand ,said top frame means pivotally mounting said heating plate formovement relative to said base frame', means pivotally mounting said topframe for movement relative to said heating plate and VV,said baseframe, said vheating plate comprising a pair of sections, meanspivotally connecting said sections and limiting the relative pivotalmovement therebetween, means engageable with a part of one of saidsections and pivotally mounted relative to said base for vpivotallymoving said one section relative to said other section and then bothsections relative to said base frame in the direction away Yfrom saidbase frame, and spring means operatively associated with said last namedmeans and `implementing movement of said heating plate in the saiddirection.

29. A photographic print drying and mounting apparatus comprising a baseframe, a top frame, a heating plate disposed between said base frame andsaid top frame, means pivotally mounting said heating plate `formovement vrelative to said base frame, means pivotally mounting said topframe for movement relative to said heating plate and l,to said baseframe, -said heating plate comprising a pair of sections, meanspivotally connectingr said sections and limiting the relative p-ivotal'movement-.therebetween said means including a pair vof overlappingplates carried respectively by said sections, a pivot pin extendingthrough both said plates and having its axis lying substantially in theparting plane between said sections/,a stop-carried by one of saidsections, and a hook-like projection vformed on the plate carried bythe.other of said sections and 'adapted to engage said stop when one ofsaid sections is pivoted relative'to the other section, and movablemeans engageable with a part of one of said sections Ato swing said lastmentioned section relative to the other section and then to swing bothsections in a direction away from said base frame,

DWIGHT BESTER.

REFERENCES CITED Hester Y l Aug. A2", 1949

